In the news:

Softball preps for nonconference matchup against Cal State Fullerton

Posted:

April 18, 2017

12:28 am

UCLA softball will take a break from Pac-12 play Tuesday with a matchup against Cal State Fullerton. When those two teams met earlier this year at the Judi Garman classic, the Bruins won 2-0. (Amy Dixon/Daily Bruin)

“Midweeks are always a bit of a challenge in that you get into a rhythm of a format: single series against a Pac-12 opponent,” said Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez. “Midweeks can be a formula for a letdown.”

After UCLA’s series defeat to Oregon State (21-18, 4-8), Fullerton presents an opportunity to recapture its composure and momentum before its next Pac-12 challenge.

UCLA seized the first meeting against Fullerton earlier this season, winning 2-0. Defensive errors sabotaged the Titans’ bid to upset the Bruins. Cal State Fullerton committed four errors – two leading directly to UCLA’s decisive two-run sixth inning.

The Bruins possess statistical advantages across the board offensively.

UCLA is owner to a team batting average of .307 compared to Cal State Fullerton’s .265. An integral part for the Bruins’ batting average is junior second baseman Kylee Perez – who is sporting a .409 average.

Power-wise, the Titans have a season total of 13 home runs. UCLA’s junior first baseman Madeline Jelenicki and sophomore third baseman Brianna Tautalafua each have gone deep 10 times. As a team, the Bruins have notched 47 home runs.

In the circle, redshirt freshman Rachel Garcia leads the Bruins. She is owner of a 13-7 record alongside a 2.17 earned run average and 119 strikeouts. Joined by juniors Johanna Grauer and Selina Ta’amilo along with redshirt senior Paige McDuffee, UCLA harbors a team 2.71 ERA.

For the Titans, senior Kelsey Kessler is the ace – leading the team with 123.2 innings pitched. Kessler boasts a 1.75 ERA and has dusted 113 batters in the box. Cal State Fullerton posts a nearly identical ERA of 2.70.

With the Bruins hosting the Titans, another category beyond strikeouts and RBIs becomes relevant – and potentially pivotal. Cal State Fullerton owns an 11-1 away record.

UCLA will look to defend its home field Tuesday as Cal State Fullerton hopes to maintain its momentum away from home.

“I look forward to it,” Inouye-Perez said. “Fullerton, we always have good battles with them and they are a team we can potentially face in the postseason.”

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

Related Content

Poll

The Associated Students UCLA announced in October that the price of dorm coupons, which allow students living on the Hill to trade meal swipes for coupons that can be used with on-campus food vendors, have increased by $1. Now, a meal swipe can be swapped for a coupon worth $3.45. What do you think about this?
The moderate increase is a welcome step toward ensuring students living on the Hill can also eat on campus at lower costs.
The increase continues to overcharge students and causes them to lose their meal swipes’ value.
This increase is of little consequence, as few are inclined to use the coupon service.
I have feelings about this issue that are not expressed in the options above.
Submit View results without voting »